Yesterday, Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi released a strong statement condemning the federal crackdown on state-approved medical marijuana, arguing instead for safe access as a medical and state right. Notably, she acknowledges marijuana's medical benefits (the federal government's denial of which keeps medical pot illegal), and advocates for putting science first. Pelosi also appears to offer her support for Congressional legislation protecting access to medical marijuana.

Access to medicinal marijuana for individuals who are ill or enduring difficult and painful therapies is both a medical and a states’ rights issue. Sixteen states, including our home state of California, and the District of Columbia have adopted medicinal marijuana laws – most by a vote of the people.

I have strong concerns about the recent actions by the federal government that threaten the safe access of medicinal marijuana to alleviate the suffering of patients in California, and undermine a policy that has been in place under which the federal government did not pursue individuals whose actions complied with state laws providing for medicinal marijuana.

Proven medicinal uses of marijuana include improving the quality of life for patients with cancer, HIV/AIDS, multiple sclerosis, and other severe medical conditions.

I am pleased to join organizations that support legal access to medicinal marijuana, including the American Nurses Association, the Lymphoma Foundation of America, and the AIDS Action Council.

Medicinal marijuana alleviates some of the most debilitating symptoms of AIDS, including pain, wasting, and nausea. The opportunity to ease the suffering of people who are seriously ill or enduring difficult and painful therapies is an opportunity we must not ignore.

For these reasons, I have long supported efforts in Congress to advocate federal policies that recognize the scientific evidence and clinical research demonstrating the medical benefits of medicinal marijuana, that respects the wishes of the states in providing relief to ill individuals, and that prevents the federal government from acting to harm the safe access of medicinal marijuana provided under state law. I will continue to strongly support those efforts.

Kudos to Pelosi for defending voters, patients, and science-- and for stepping up where President Barack Obama wouldn't. Let's hope other legislators follow, and that all patients may soon (legally) benefit from such an effective, non-toxic treatment.